“On a Mish” #330 An Area That Time Forgot (Part Two). Acheron Homestead. Molesworth Station. Marlborough. 5.6.2022. If you have done something before you can do it again, or at least see if you still can! I get sick of people saying they “used to” do something but can’t do it now that they are older or less able. You don’t have to do everything the same way, you can modify the mission to suit your abilities. I have learnt that getting out into the wilderness is very important for my mental health, and to my surprise even just a tiny taste is enough to keep the taste buds satisfied…
After hurting my hip and back I found out what it is like to be taken back to square one. Watching muscle tone and fitness disappear can drive you into a depressed state and if you don’t do anything about it the hole you are stuck in can get deeper and deeper. An untouched world was what I was craving and luckily I have a family that will do nearly anything to help get me into the wild world I love so much.
With grey skies above we took the short drive from the alpine village of Hanmer Springs and into the southern reaches of the massive Molesworth Station. A dusty dirt road lead us to the confluence of the Acheron and Clarence rivers. It was here that we found an area that time had seemed to forget about. In the heart of the huge back country station we found the location of the historic Acheron Homestead.
This place was once an important stopping point for weary travellers to rest while making their way through the mountains of Marlborough into the Canterbury Region. Nowadays the area is a campsite for hikers with all of the historic buildings having been restored to their former state. If you are interested in history then this is an awesome place to not only camp but also learn about the past and the way things used to be done.
Armed with two walking poles acting as two extra legs, I slowly crossed over the Clarence River bridge towards the old homestead. At 84 my Grandmother Bev (Nanny) decided to hang out in the car and enjoy some quiet time while we went for a short walk.
To make a mish out of our visit to the area we followed a loop track up above the buildings and this gave us not only outstanding views, but also a sense of achievement. I had been missing the feeling you get after finishing a hike.
I relied heavily on my walking poles and really couldn’t have done it without them. I ended up putting a slight bend in one after a small slip. Hiking / walking poles can be a real game changer for someone who needs a little extra help getting around.
Eventually we finished the loop and headed back to the car to catch up with Bev and have some lunch. While enjoying our lunch at the Confluence shelter a breeze kicked up and we knew we had enjoyed the best part of this prestorm day and it was time to head back over the hill to Hanmer.
The wind and weather chased us as we retreated back to town after an excellent day out. I might have been sore but at least I was satisfied with what I had achieved, and I’d rather the feeling of satisfaction and soreness, over just feeling sore and sad!
The wilderness is a powerful and extremely helpful tool we all have at our fingertips. Whether it be a multi-day meander or just a tiny taste, being out and about will do wonders for not only your body but also your soul. If you are feeling a little down and need of a ‘pick me up’ then why don’t you try letting the wilderness do it’s thing. It is amazing what a little walk can do!…
